Item 6D - MemoM E M O R A N D U M
April 2, 2024
To: Alison Ortowski, City Manager
From: Daniel Cortez, Director of Economic Development & Tourism
Subject: Item 6D: Resolution No. 24-014, adopting a tax abatement policy;
establishing guidelines and criteria for tax abatement agreements;
and, electing to continue eligibility to participate in tax abatement.
Action
Requested: Approval of Resolution No. 24-014 as presented.
Background
Information: In order to grant tax abatements, Chapter 312 of the Texas Tax Code
specifies that the City must adopt a tax abatement policy that identifies
conditions that any tax abatement applicant must meet in order to be
eligible for abatement. The terms of the policy are at the discretion of
the City and can be specific or general but must provide for “the
availability of tax abatement for both new facilities and structures and
for the expansion or modernization of existing facilities and structures.”
Once adopted, the policy is effective for 2 years. It may be amended or
repealed during those 2 years only by a vote of 3/4 of the members of
the city council.
The City Council adopted Resolution No. 22-010 on April 25, 2022,
reauthorizing a tax abatement policy for the City of Southlake. That
policy was effective for two years, which is the maximum term allowed
by law, and identified the following terms:
1.New Facilities or Structures:The project must be reasonably
expected to produce a minimum added value of Thirty Million Dollars
($30,000,000) in real and personal property improvements within the
City and create a minimum of 1,000 full-time jobs, with an average
annual total compensation of $60,000; and,
2.Expansion or Modernization of Existing Facilities or Structures:
The project must be reasonably expected to produce a minimum
added value of Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000) in real and
personal property improvements within the City of Southlake, and
create a minimum of 500 new full-time jobs with an average annual
total compensation of $50,000.
Additionally, the policy specifies in Section XIII. Expiration and
Guidelines, “This Policy is effective upon the date of its adoption and will
Item 6D
remain in force for two years, at which time all reinvestment zones and
tax abatement contracts created pursuant to its provisions will be
reviewed by the City Council of Southlake to determine whether the
goals of the abatement program have been achieved.”
The City currently has two active tax abatement agreements:
1. TD Ameritrade (now Charles Schwab) was approved by the City
Council in 2017. Per the most recent review conducted by staff,
Charles Schwab (TD Ameritrade) exceeded the goals established in the
policy but not per their incentive agreement with the City.
Abatement Program
Guideline Goal Actual
Minimum added value $30,000,000 $75,886,984
Full-Time Job Creation 1,000 1,867
Average Annual Total
Compensation $60,000 $72,339
2. VariSpace Southlake was approved by the City Council in 2020. Per
the review conducted by staff, for 2023, VariSpace is exceeding two
of the three goals established in the policy as follows. The job
creation target established in the policy has not yet been met; for
2024, the investment agreement with VariSpace requires an
employment target of 1,200, with full employment of 1,500 FTE’s in
2025.
Abatement Program
Guideline Goal Actual
Minimum added value $30,000,000 $36,298,221
Full-Time Job Creation 1,000 451
Average Annual Total
Compensation $60,000 $102,319
In order to preserve the City’s options as they relate to public
investment considerations and the ability to negotiate with desirable
prospects, this item proposes a renewal of the policy under the same
terms and conditions as the one adopted in 2022.
Strategic Link: F1 – Safeguarding the public trust through a commitment to thoughtful
planning and responsible, conservative financial management.
Citizen Input/
Board Review: The Community Enhancement and Development Corporation Board of
Directors recommended renewal at their February 27, 2024 meeting.
Financial
Considerations: The minimum added value amounts identified in the policy have been
determined by the City’s Chief Financial Officer Sharen Jackson who
has indicated that these amounts should generate a return sufficient to
warrant public investment.
In addition, it is important to note that the policy does not commit the
City to granting an abatement simply because one has been requested.
The granting of an abatement remains solely at the discretion of the City
Council.
Legal Review: The proposed policy was reviewed and approved by the City Attorney.
Alternatives: Approve Resolution No. 24-014 with amendments or direct staff to
revise the policy and return for City Council consideration at a future
meeting.
Supporting
Documents: Resolution No. 24-014
Staff Contacts: Daniel Cortez (817) 748-8039
RESOLUTION NO. 24-014
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SOUTHLAKE, TEXAS,
ADOPTING A TAX ABATEMENT POLICY; ESTABLISHING
GUIDELINES AND CRITERIA FOR T AX ABATEMENT
AGREEMENTS; ELECTING TO CONTINUE ELIGIBILITY TO
PARTICIP ATE IN TAX ABATEMENT; AND PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the future economic viability of the City of Southlake depends on the
ability to attract new investments through the location of new businesses and the expansion
and modernization of existing businesses; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that the creation and retention of job
opportunities that result from new economic development is in the best interest of the City
of Southlake; and
WHEREAS, the establishment of economic development incentives such as tax
abatements may encourage enhancement of the local economy; and
WHEREAS, the City Council wishes to adopt new guidelines and criteria governing
tax abatement agreements; and
WHEREAS, the guidelines and criteria adopted herein authorize tax abatement for
both new facilities and structures and for the expansion or modernization of exis ting facilities
and structures; and,
WHEREAS, a public hearing before the City Council of the City of Southlake, Texas,
was scheduled and held April 2nd, 2024, and the City at such public hearing invited any
interested person to appear and speak for or against the adoption of a tax abatement policy.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SOUTHLAKE, TEXAS, THAT:
SECTION 1)
The City Council does hereby adopt a Tax Abatement Policy, attached hereto as
Exhibit A and incorporated herein for all purposes. This Tax Abatement Policy shall govern
all tax abatement matters considered by the City from and after the date of this Resolution,
until said policy expires or is repealed or amended as provided by law.
SECTION 2)
The Tax Abatement Policy is effective for two (2) years from the date of adoption.
During that period, the Tax Abatement Policy may be amended or repealed only by a vote of
3/4 of the members of the City Council. Said Tax Abatement Policy is intended as a guide
for use in developing tax abatement programs and agreements under the provisions of
Chapter 312 of the Texas Tax Code.
SECTION 3)
The City of Southlake intends to consider providing tax abatements and hereby elects
to become eligible to participate in tax abatement.
SECTION 4)
The adoption of the Tax Abatement Policy and the City ’s election to become eligible
to participate in tax abatement as provided herein shall not be construed to require the City
of Southlake to approve any proposed tax abatement agreement which meets the
requirements of the policy. Tax abatements shall be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and
shall be granted only where the City Council determines in its sole discretion that the tax
abatement is in the best interest of the citizens of Southlake.
SECTION 5)
This Resolution shall become effective upon passage.
PASSED AND APPROVED this the 2nd day of April 2024.
John Huffman
Mayor
ATTEST:
Amy Shelley, TRMC City
Secretary
EXHIBIT A
CITY OF SOUTHLAKE TAX ABATEMENT POLICY
I. GENERAL PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES
The City of Southlake is committed to the attraction of high-quality development in all parts of
City to expand and diversify the tax base and to provide for ongoing improvement in the quality
of life for its residential and corporate citizens. Insofar as these objectives are generally
served by the enhancement and expansion of the local economy, the City will, on a case-by-
case basis, give consideration to providing tax abatements as a stimulus for economic
development in Southlake. It is the policy of the City that said consideration will be provided in
accordance with the procedures and criteria outlined in this document. Nothing herein shall
imply or suggest that the City is under any obligation to provide tax abatements or other
financial incentives to any applicant.
II. APPLICABILITY
This tax abatement policy (“Policy”) establishes guidelines and criteria for tax abatement
programs and agreements under the provisions of Chapter 312 of the Texas Tax Code.
III. GUIDELINES AND CRITERIA
A. Any consideration for tax abatement shall be reviewed by the City Council of the City of
Southlake. The City Council shall consider tax abatements for new construction, whether it is
(1) new facilities or structures or (2) the expansion or modernization of existing facilities or
structures.
B. Specific considerations will include the degree to which the individual project furthers
the goals and objectives of the community as described in the City of Southlake Economic
Development Comprehensive Plan, as well as the relative impact on growth, employment,
expansion of the tax base, and economic development.
C. The City of Southlake may offer real and/or business personal property tax abatements
for qualifying projects that meet the thresholds listed as follows:
1. New Facilities or Structures: The project must be reasonably expected to produce a
minimum added value of Thirty Million Dollars ($30,000,000) in real and personal property
improvements within the City and create a minimum of 1,000 full-time jobs, with an average
annual total compensation of $60,000.
2. Expansion or Modernization of Existing Facilities or Structures: The project must be
reasonably expected to produce a minimum added value of Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000)
in real and personal property improvements within the City of Southlake and create a minimum
of 500 new full-time jobs with an average annual total compensation of $50,000.
The thresholds as described above are considered guidelines for establishing the tax
abatement agreement terms. The City will determine amount and term of abatement for each
individual project, and nothing herein shall imply or suggest that the City is under any
obligation to provide an abatement or financial incentives to any applicant or project.
IV. EXCEPTIONS
In order to encourage the retention and/or expansion of existing business, or attract
businesses which satisfy a community goal or objective, or meet a special need of the
community, the City Council may, on a case-by-case basis, recommend an incentive which
may not comply with the values and terms contained within this Policy.
V. APPROV AL
All applicants are considered on a case-by-case basis and all abatements are subject to final
approval of the City Council. Even though a project may meet the criteria as set forth in this
Policy, an application may be denied at the sole discretion of the City.
XI. PERFORMANCE
All tax abatements provided to an applicant are performance-based. Should a project
granted tax abatement not satisfy the terms of the agreement, the City Council may
terminate the agreement and pursue all remedies available in the agreement.
XII. ANNUAL EVALUATION
Upon completion of construction, the City shall perform an annual evalu ation of each
abatement agreement to ensure compliance with the agreement.
XIII. EXPIRATION AND GUIDELINES
This Policy is effective upon the date of its adoption and will remain in force for two years, at
which time all reinvestment zones and tax abatement contracts created pursuant to its
provisions will be reviewed by the City Council of Southlake to determine whether the
goals of the abatement program have been achieved. Based upon that review, the Policy
may be modified, renewed or eliminated. Prior to the date for review, as defined above,
this Policy may be modified by a three-fourths vote of the City Council, as provided for in
Chapter 312 of the Texas Tax Code.